Reel Container with Adjustable Separators for Mixed Diameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard tray-shaped containers with separators are inadequate for accommodating reels of varying diameters, particularly larger 15" reels, as they lack stability and compatibility with automatic storage devices, and are not suitable for handling smaller diameter reels due to dividing walls, leading to reduced containment capacity and handling inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a tray with adjustable separators that include support elements with slopes and bearing surfaces, allowing larger reels to be positioned vertically and securely, while also facilitating the accommodation of smaller reels by providing a recess for easier gripping, and enabling compatibility with automatic storage systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard containers with fixed external dimensions are used, then compatibility with automatic storage devices is maintained, but the ability to accommodate reels of different diameters is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs movable separators that can be repositioned along the tray to accommodate reels of different diameters. The separators are not fixed but can be adjusted to create appropriate spacing for various reel sizes while maintaining the same external container dimensions, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into modular sections using separate movable separators rather than a monolithic structure. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each separator position to optimize space for different reel diameters while keeping the overall container structure simple and standardized.
2Reliability
If dividing walls are added to separate reels, then reel separation and containment are improved, but ease of manual gripping for smaller diameter reels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The separators are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing operators to adjust their positions when handling smaller diameter reels. This enables the separators to be moved aside or repositioned to provide better access and gripping surfaces for small reels while still maintaining separation and containment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The container provides different local characteristics in different regions. The separators create enclosed spaces for containment when positioned for larger reels, but can be repositioned to create open access areas for manual gripping of smaller reels, thus providing locally adapted functionality for different operations.
3Volume of moving object
If container lateral walls are made very low to accommodate large diameter reels, then containment capacity is maintained, but stability for holding reels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on high lateral walls for stability, the container uses movable separators to create individual compartments for each reel. This segmentation provides structural support and stability through the separator structure rather than through wall height, allowing adequate containment capacity while maintaining reel stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable separators act as intermediary structural elements that provide support and stability to the reels. Rather than the lateral walls directly supporting the reels, the separators serve as intermediate structures that distribute loads and maintain stability, allowing the walls to be lower while still providing adequate support.
4Adaptability or versatility
If external dimensions of standard containers are modified to accommodate larger reels, then accommodation capability is improved, but production and management costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The container uses movable separators that can be repositioned within the same external dimensions to accommodate different reel sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the container to adapt to various reel diameters without requiring changes to the external container dimensions, thereby avoiding increased production and management costs associated with custom-sized containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed as a universal solution that can accommodate multiple reel diameters using the same external dimensions and movable separator mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for producing different container sizes for different reel types, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and management costs while maintaining broad accommodation capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A container (1) for reels (R) containing electronic components comprises a tray (2) which has a base (5) and opposing lateral walls (7) on which a top edge (8) is defined, as well as a plurality of separators (3) positioned so as to extend between the lateral walls (7). Each separator (3) comprises: - a dividing wall (13) which separates at least two reels from one another, - a pair of bearing surfaces (14) which are defined on opposing lateral edges (11) of the separator (3) in order to bear on the respective top edges (8) of the lateral walls (7), - at least one support element (12a, 12b) which projects from the dividing wall (13) to support at least one reel and which defines a support surface that intersects the lateral edges (11) at a point positioned on the side opposite the top edge (8) with respect to the bearing surface (14).